Metal Detecting: Friend or Foe of Conflict Archaeology? Investigation, Preservation and Destruction on WWII sites in the Netherlands

Abstract

In the Netherlands the Archaeology of twentieth-century conflict related sites and battlefields has still not gained the full attention of the academic world. Archaeological research into World War II features is usually only carried out as a result of the personal interest, enthusiasm and initiative of individual archaeologists. Thus, for the time being, interest within the wider community is still much greater than academic interest. Unfortunately, this interest is also expressed in many illegal searches and excavations on former battlefield and conflict-related sites. Metal detecting is a hobby that has traditionally been vilified by many archaeologists as an uncontrollable threat to the proper study of the past. This paper will discuss whether an effective cooperation is possible between archaeologists and metal detectorists concerning this fragile heritage.